GRTU and its members in the Gas Distributors sector has this week met Liquigas in a cordial meeting to discuss a number of issues that were pending and were creating friction between both parties. The meeting was called to trash out these issues and enhance dialogue between both parties with the aim of creating a better working relationship and building trust for the benefit of all the parties involved, including the final consumer.
The relationship between Liquigas and the distributors has been somewhat turbulent during the last years, which all also due to uncertainty in licences and policy. Both parties however seemed intent in putting the past behind them and having a healthy business to business relationship in the future as both parties stated that they are here to stay.
A number of issues were discussed, many of which relate to problems created after Liquigas took over from Enemalta and in the transition some issues affecting the distributors were never ironed out. These included the issue of refunds for cylinder stocks the distributors had to organise to make up for stock flow problems by suppliers. The problem of stocks was solved and distributors sought refunds. Liquigas said that if the paperwork is in order and any mistakes were made in bona fide they have no problem in affecting the required refunds. Other issues raised by the distributors were those on payment procedures and deposits on cages, on which Liquigas were equally forthcoming.
Other issues were also discussed during which the discussion heated up because of the sensitivity of these issues but it was agreed that further meetings were needed.
Throughout the meeting it was reinforced the need to reinforce trust between both parties. GRTU thanked Liquigas for their commitment to the sector and looked forward to future progress for the benefit of both parties. The meeting was attended by the majority of distributors.